rely on reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rely on reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of logical thinking or rationality in decision-making or arguments. Example: "In debates, it is crucial to rely on reason rather than emotions to persuade the audience effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I prefer to rely on reason.

The Guardian

Yes, I prefer to rely on reason rather than eternity, if that is how you insist on putting it.

The Guardian

Arnauld immediately suggested to Descartes that his argument contained a circle: we can rely on reason only if we know that God exists, but we know that God exists only by relying on reason.

SEP

Bloom's answer is to rely on reason.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet there is a more fundamental question: Without relying on reasoned analysis, what is the basis of one party's claim to have a superior agenda to their opponents?

The New York Times - Arts

"It was also important that its [the court's] independence and authority should not be undermined and that criticism by governments, even where legitimate, should rely on reasoned argument rather than emotion and exaggeration," it said.

The Guardian

Moreover, his responses to ancient and early modern critics of atomism are firmly within their strategic bounds, as they typically rely on reasoned argument without appeal to empirical force.

SEP

Lincoln's political case relied on reason rather than emotion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only true way to interpret the Constitution, Souter said, is "by relying on reason, by respecting all the words the framers wrote, by facing facts, and by seeking to understand their meaning for living people".

The New Yorker

Following the natural-law tradition, he relies on reason and science (the very tools that liberals, he posits, wrongly believe are always in their corner) to uncover immutable human nature.

The New York Times - Books

He is described as relying on reason, employing a science of deduction that enables him to explain events that have so far proved baffling.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing an argument, ensure you "rely on reason" and present clear, logical evidence to support your claims, rather than appealing to emotions or personal biases.

Common error

Avoid applying logic rigidly without considering the nuances of human emotion or real-world context. Sometimes, a purely rational approach may overlook critical qualitative factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely on reason" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a deliberate choice to depend on logical thinking and rationale in decision-making or forming beliefs. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used in contexts where objectivity and clarity are valued.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rely on reason" is a grammatically correct expression advocating for logical thinking and rational decision-making. While identified by Ludwig as a less frequent expression, it finds its place in formal and neutral registers, primarily across news and scientific contexts. When opting for alternatives such as "depend on logic" or "trust in rationality", context remains key to ensure semantic precision. When you "rely on reason", present well-structured arguments supported by evidence, and be mindful of contexts where a solely logical approach may be insufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on logic

This alternative emphasizes the system of principles underlying rational thought, instead of the general capacity.

trust in rationality

This focuses on the confidence placed in the ability to think rationally.

count on logic

This phrase underscores the act of placing assurance on rational thought processes.

lean on intellect

This suggests drawing support from one's mental capacity and understanding.

resort to rationale

This denotes turning to reason as a solution or method.

invoke rationality

This implies formally calling upon or appealing to reason.

exercise reason

This highlights the active use of one's rational faculties.

employ logic

This focuses on the practical application of logical principles.

use rational thought

This refers to the process of thinking in a logical and reasoned manner.

ground decisions in logic

This emphasizes the foundation of decisions being based on logical principles.

FAQs

How can I use "rely on reason" in a sentence?

You can use "rely on reason" to emphasize the importance of logical thinking. For example, "In complex situations, it's important to "rely on reason" rather than impulse."

What are some alternatives to "rely on reason"?

Alternatives include "depend on logic", "trust in rationality", or "count on logic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "rely on reason" or "trust your gut feeling"?

While intuition can be valuable, consistently "relying on reason" offers a more structured and verifiable approach to decision-making. Intuition is quick, but easily misguided. Reason is slow, but far less susceptible to mistakes and biases.

When is it appropriate to not "rely on reason"?

There are situations where relying solely on reason may be inappropriate, especially when dealing with ethical dilemmas or in circumstances that prioritize emotions or personal values. However, relying on other methods besides "rely on reason" should be seen as an exception, not a rule.